North Allegheny runners have high expectations

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, September 22, 2017 | 11:00 PM

Clara Savchik and Hannah Lindgren set the standard for the North Allegheny girls cross country team last season.

Each has continued their progress this season, giving the Tigers hopes they can challenge for their first WPIAL Class AAA cross country title since 2004. North Allegheny moved to 4-0 in Division I, Section 3 by sweeping Shaler, 20-43, and North Hills, 15-50, last week at North Hills.

Lindgren, a sophomore, and Savchik, a senior, have led the way for the Tigers. At the Red, White and Blue Classic in September, Savchik finished second with a time of 18 minutes, 5.2 seconds while Lindgren placed seventh (19:00.3). At the Spartan Invitational in Boardman, Ohio, Savchik placed third (18:26.1), while Lindgren came in 14th (19:42.5).

North Allegheny coach John Neff is thrilled with the progress he's seen.

“I think between Clara and Hannah and the rest of the girls we have a really good squad,” Neff said. “I think Hannah hit her stride at the right time. She's confident and she's showing the rest of the girls she's one of the top runners in the WPIAL.”

Neff has been pushing Lindgren to be successful. Savchik, who is the defending WPIAL champion, put in a tough summer with competitive national meets. Lindgren didn't lag far behind with training.

“Her step from last year to this year, I did see it coming,” Neff said. “I knew she had a lot of talent. More than anything else, I knew she put in a great summer. She's a great, hard-working kid.”

Sophomore Daniel McGoey has been a consistent presence on the boys' side. McGoey led the Tigers with a second-place finish at the Red, White and Blue race, finishing in 15:30.1, slightly behind South Fayette's Sam Snodgrass (15:30.7).

McGoey has good genes. His brother, Matt, runs for Pitt.

“When you have a good example at home like Dan had that's a positive every time,” Neff said. “At the same time, Dan is putting in all the hard work, too. He's his own man.”

Team-wise, North Allegheny had an early stumble. The Tigers, who are 3-1 in section, suffered their first loss to Butler in 12 years, a 27-29 decision Sept. 12. Since then, North Allegheny placed seventh at Boardman and swept a tri-meet by beating North Hills (19-35) and Shaler (20-43).

“Our boys are going to be right in there to win the WPIAL by the end of the year,” Neff said. “I think we're coming together at the right time of year.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: North Allegheny